Tag Archives: beauty

5 Changes To Your Diet That Will Make Your Skin Glow

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5 Changes To Your Diet That Will Make Your Skin Glow

Tired of having dull, lackluster skin? Want to achieve that natural glow that makes you feel great inside and out? Of course you do! While a good skincare routine goes a long way, the key to radiant skin starts from within. Read about five simple diet changes that will help to make your skin glow:

1. Drink more water:

You might be tired of being told to drink more water, but you won’t know the difference it can make to your skin until you give it a try. Drinking more water has many beauty benefits, and it can be a great anti-ageing tool to keep your skin looking plump and wrinkle-free. Start drinking around eight glasses (more if you’re exercising) and keep yourself hydrated.

2. Ditch the caffeine:

Caffeine might make you feel more awake, but it’s not great for your skin. While caffeine alone isn’t responsible for cellulite, it can add to its appearance – so you might want to lay off caffeine as a way to reduce it. If you’re already dealing with cellulite, you can get advice on how to get rid of it from cellulite.com – it’s a great resource for finding creams and lotions to help improve that. Try caffeine-free versions of your favorite hot drinks or beverages or, better yet, go for natural juice and water, instead.

3. Eat more fruits and vegetables:

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, which are all essential for helping your skin to glow. Some of the fruits and vegetables for good skin include vitamin C rich foods like green peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes. Selenium is a mineral that will boost skin elasticity and keep it firm, and you can find it in spinach, lentils, and carrots. Fill up your plate with healthy fruits and vegetables and feed your skin the goodness that it needs.

4. Switch to healthy fats:

We all know that consuming too many fatty foods is bad for you, but that doesn’t mean that all fats are bad. There are healthy fats that can help give your skin a boost, including omega 3, which is found in oily fish like salmon and mackerel. Avocados, walnuts, and olive oil also contain beneficial fats that will help to nourish your skin. Breakfast is a good place to consume healthy fats, so start your day off right with some eggs and other good fats to help your intake.

5. Lower your soda intake:

Soda isn’t recommended for living a healthy diet, and this is particularly true when it comes to your skin. The syrups and sugars contained in soda can have different effects, including the ageing of your skin. Sodas are also very high in calories, and consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain. Opt for sugar free versions if you must drink soda, or cut them out altogether and stick to water.

Glowing skin is an amazing confidence booster that will help you radiate from within. By starting with a good diet, you can help create a glowing complexion and keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. Make some changes to your eating and drinking habits today to experience the benefits for yourself.

Featured Image By: Pxhere

New Hot Tools Hair Straightener

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New Hot Tools Hair Straightener

Helloooo! For the past few months, I have been suffering from mild distaste for my hair. “WHAT?! But you love your red hair!” Yes, yes I do. BUT, my hair itself has just not been styling well, as of late. It just seemed like no matter what styling sprays and serums I used and how many times I flat ironed my hair, I could not get it straight for the life of me.

When I say that I want my hair straight, I’m talking pin straight, so it was infuriating to straighten my hair only to have it be frizzy and wavy shortly after. At first, I was wondering if my amazing hair stylist didn’t take enough bulk out when she was thinning through my thick locks. But, I poo pooed that thought immediately after, because she’s a genius. Then, I realized that it was my hair straightener.

I have been using my old faithful Ion One Stroke for a solid four years now, so it only makes sense that it might not be working to the best of its ability. Finally, the frizzy mess that my hair would turn into five minutes after straightening sounded about right. So, I did what I normally do…

I went to TJMaxx and got myself a Hot Tools straightener for twenty-five bucks.

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This styling tool heats up to 450 degrees, which is perfect for my thick hair. It also has a handy touch screen to turn the product on and off and to adjust the heat. Immediately after using my new Hot Tools straightener, the difference in my hair was all I needed to justify my purchase. My locks looked straight, sleek, and the style held all day.

I am so happy to have solved the mystery behind my bad hair months, because I am SO over covering up my hair with hats, beanies, headbands, and wearing it up. Now, my crimson crown can flow freely and perfectly straight. Thank gawd.

R.I.P

Ion One Stroke

2014-2018

What are your tips for achieving pin straight hair? How do you usually style your locks? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

March 2018 Finishes

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March 2018 Finishes

Howdy! I can’t believe that another month is drawing to a close already. 2018 is flying by, and with that, brings my empties post for March! Take a look at my monthly finishes and let’s discuss:

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Would I Use Again?

  • Suave Sweet Pea & Violet body wash: YES
  • Dickinson’s Witch Hazel: YES
  • The Body Shop Nutriganics eye cream: YES
  • Clinique Moisture Surge moisturizer: YES

Why/Why Not?

Suave Body Wash: I love the Suave shower gels. They lather well, they always smell great, and they are long lasting. It took me over two months to finish my Sweet Pea & Violet body wash and it was most enjoyable. It’s a floral scent, but it’s not so overpowering that you smell like a flower field all day. It’s actually quite energizing, which is great for the days that you don’t feel like waking up!

Dickinson’s Witch Hazel: I use witch hazel as a toner, a piercing cleaner, and a makeup remover when I am making little edits to my makeup look. Witch hazel is cheap, but effective and it works diligently to tighten my pores and give the areas around my piercings a deep clean. Dickinson’s is the only brand that I trust, and it took me about four months to finish this bottle.

TBS Eye Cream: We all know by now that The Body Shop’s Nutriganics eye cream is my go to for preventing fine lines and wrinkles around my peepers. It takes me a solid half a year to finish this tiny bottle of cream. You can’t beat that!

Clinique Moisturizer: I got to sample Clinique’s Moisture Surge moisturizer for free thanks to a recent Sephora purchase. If I wasn’t so gung-ho about buying moisturizers for cheap at TJMaxx, I would definitely purchase this Clinique product. It is a gel moisturizer, which is my favorite, and a little dollop went a long way in eliminating dry winter skin. Loved it.

March was definitely a successful month for finishes, and I would happily use each product that I completed again. Now, if only I could get my hands on that Clinique moisturizer for a bargain price!

Which products have you finished up this month? How do you beat dry skin during the colder months? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oh, Heyyy

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Oh, Heyyy

Happy Sunday! I realize that it has been a phat minute since I posted a picture of myself and *gasp* I’m not wearing red lipstick in it! I swapped the red during a day out for one of my favorite Tarte lip paint shades in Rosé. This picture is also featuring a Lauren Conrad top from Kohl’s that I got for a whopping five dollars. What whattttttt!

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Oh, Heyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

How are you spending Sunday Funday? How often do you take selfies? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sephora Success

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Sephora Success

Howdy! I can’t say that I’m Sephora’s number one fan when it comes to shopping there, because I will always and forever be a drug store makeup girl. However, I have had nothing but success when it comes to purchasing prezzies for my sister for Christmas and her upcoming April birthday. When I can get wonderful products for my makeup queen sis and still score a great deal, I am a happy camper.

Sephora always seems to have some type of freebie promotion going on, depending on what you buy and I love that. One of the gift sets that I got my sister was a Clinique Dewey You collection and I got a free mini moisturizer for myself for purchasing it. I used it this past week and it was FABULOUS! And, speaking of the gift sets, what an amazing value they are! The Clinique set that I got was eighteen bucks and then I got her a Stilla bronzing kit that had FIVE full size products in it for forty dollars. You literally can’t beat that.

I’ve always been a huge fan of gifting gift sets for gift giving occasions (Say gift one more time!), and Sephora has never disappointed me or the giftee with their box sets. 1) They are a great value and 2) The giftee can try out new products that they might not have thought of before. Talk about a win/win.

And, to top the Sephora Success off, when you order online, you can pick out three samples to try at home. I picked out a perfume, a face mask, and a lip plumper sample that came in a mini tube and has a good amount of uses in it for a freebie. I also was able to pick out a free highlighter with the points that I earned from shopping for my sis and restocking my Better Than Sex mascara. I got five free things just for the shopping that I was going to do, anyways – it doesn’t get much better than that!

Who else has had some Sephora Success recently? How do you score the best deals when you shop Sephora? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Highlighter Help!!

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Highlighter Help!!

Helloooo! During a recent Sephora purchase for my sister’s upcoming birthday, I decided to spend some of my rewards points on a Becca highlighter in Opal. The only problem is… I don’t know what to do with it! I liked the idea of trying a highlighter on for size and I love the color so I figured “why not”. Take a looksee:

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(First swatch photo is with no flash, the second one is with the flash on.)

I was hoping that my beauty blogger babes could help me out by directing me to their posts on applying highlighter as well as completed MOTDs featuring a highlighter. I definitely don’t want to overdo it with my new Becca Opal highlighter, but a little extra something something might be nice to try out – especially when it was free!

So, beauty bloggers, now is your time to toot your own horn a little and link me to your best highlighter related makeup posts. Thanks in advance!

What is the best freebie that you have scored from Sephora? Are you a highlighter fan or no? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

New Black & Lavender Nails

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New Black & Lavender Nails

Howdy! One color that I am actually quite fond of but don’t wear on clothing is lavender. However, lavender blush is my favorite and you can’t go wrong with a lavender accent nail every now and then. I went only four weeks in between getting my talons filled this time around, but they were in desperate need of some TLC so I don’t feel too bad about it! Take a look and let’s discuss:

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With spring just around the corner, I felt that a pastel accent nail was the perfect way to go. And, I freaking LERVE the heart glitter top coat which makes the nail look like an Easter jellybean treat. Yum! It felt so good to get pampered after what has been a pretty shitty month in between this fill and the last. There’s really nothing better than some time spent just for you with an outcome that is beautiful afterwards.

Which color of nail polish are you wearing right now? What accent nail color should I get next? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

NYX Matte Lipstick Swatch In Street Cred

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NYX Matte Lipstick Swatch In Street Cred

Howdy! Once upon a time, when I didn’t always wear red or nude lipstick, I was a lot more adventurous with the shades that I would purchase. I had purples, silvers, and pinks – but then, the sad realization dawned on me that those colors didn’t look all that great. Now, I am stuck with the colors that I purchased a while ago that I wouldn’t wear in public if you paid me. Like, the following shade by NYX:

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^^^ Excuse the poorly drawn on heart, lol.

When my local grocery store began carrying NYX products, I went a little lipstick crazy. I don’t regret it, though, because that’s how I ended up finding my favorite shade of red. But, as far as Street Cred goes, I am not a fan.

THEN WHY DID YOU BUY IT?!?!

I told you I was more adventurous before! And, actually, pink shades used to look fairly nice on me when I had my natural brown hair. But, my, have the times changed. My complexion naturally has a lot of pink undertones to it. So, to combine my rosey skin with my red hair AND a pink lipstick? Ohhh no, no, no, no, no. I find pink to be a difficult lip color for people to pull off at the best of times – and, believe me, I am infinitely jealous of those who can (Because I sure as shit can’t!).

Although this shade and I will never get along, I will always say that NYX matte lipstick is the best ever. So, if you’re looking for a lovely pink to try out as the spring flowers bloom, then Street Cred might be the color for you!

How do you determine which color of lipstick to buy? What is your favorite drugstore or high end lippie? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

NYX Matte Lipstick Swatch In Perfect Red

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NYX Matte Lipstick Swatch In Perfect Red

Heyy everyone and TGIF! My favorite brand of lipstick, hands down, is NYX – specifically in their matte shades. It is my genuine opinion that every high end and drug store brand, alike, pales in comparison to NYX as far as their lipstick goes. Their matte lippies are budge proof and the rich pigments in each shade is just gorgeous.

Despite having such high regards for NYX matte lippies, the shade Perfect Red is not my favorite. But, of course, I have to swatch it for those who might be on the hunt for the perfect shade of red for themselves. Take a look:

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To be honest, this shade didn’t stand a chance against my go to shade of NYX’s Pure Red, anyway. You just can’t beat perfection!! I think what bothers me the most about the Perfect Red shade is the really blue undertones that I feel are lurking below the surface. It’s crazy, because any red that is too orange or blue in the undertones looks like shit on me. Don’t ask me why, it just does. I end up looking like a clown.

Then why is Pure Red so much better?!

I’m so glad you asked. I swear, NYX’s Pure Red has the perfect blend of orange and blue undertones so that neither outshines the other. When it’s those two colors mingling behind the red, I can pull it off like no other. Anything aside from the beautiful balance that is Pure Red does nothing for me. NOTHING.

Obviously, every shade of lipstick isn’t going to look good on me, even though I wish it would! But, I do think that this Perfect Red shade would look amazing 1) On a blonde or brunette and 2) On someone with a darker complexion than Fifty Shades Of Pale. So, in the meantime, this pasty redhead will be sticking to my old faithful, thank you very much.

Do you prefer a red lippie with an orange or blue undertone? Which shades of lipstick can you pull off the best and worst? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Beauty Tag #2

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Beauty Tag #2

Helloooo! This weekend, lifewithlilred was nominated for its second Beauty Tag by my sweet friend, Claudia, over at New Life – Fresh You. I love Claudia’s page and I’m sure that all of you will too, so do be sure to check it out! Here we go:

Q & A:

1. Do you remember your first makeup item?

It’s not exactly a makeup but I had hella LipSmackers chapstick in my youth.

2. Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?

I am obsessed with Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. It’s the jam.

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from a foundation?

I don’t wear foundation. I never have.

4. Favorite high end brand?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a favorite, because I don’t wear a lot of high end products.

5. What cosmetics brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t?

None that I can think of.

6. Favorite drugstore brand?

NYX!!

7. Do you wear false lashes?

No, I’ve actually never tried them, either. They seem like such a pain to get on!!

8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?

Nope, I feel pretty okay about leaving the house with a fresh face.

9. What is your most cherished beauty product?

My favorite NYX red lipstick.

10. How often do you shop for makeup? Do you like to pick up an item here and there, or get lots of goodies at once?

I pick up things as I need them, so maybe once every few months.

11. Do you have a “beauty budget” or do you spend freely?

I spend freely. I don’t spend money unless I’m comfortable paying for whatever it is, though.

12. Do you utilize coupons, reward cards, and sales when you shop for cosmetics?

HELL YEAH! I’m all about saving money, so I love utilizing anything that can help me do that.

13. What type of product do you buy the most of?

I feel like I purchase skin care more regularly than makeup, so I’m going to say moisturizer.

14. Is there a brand you absolutely can’t stand?

Not that I can think of.

15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics, like parabens or sulfates?

As long as the product is cruelty free, then I’m good.

16. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?

Target, lol.

17. Do you like trying new skin care products or do you keep a certain routine?

I do have my staple skin care products that I will use for all eternity, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like experimenting if I find a good deal or something new that I’d like to try.

18. Favorite bath and body brand?

The Body Shop.

19. If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

The Body Shop, for sure. They’re a one stop shop and I use a lot of their products, anyway.

20. What brand do you think has the best packaging?

Hmm… I really don’t know.

21. Which celebrity always has great makeup?

It’s hard to say, because I don’t really pay attention.

22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities?

No.

23. Favorite beauty gurus:

I deeply admire the makeup skills behind the local drag queens in my neck of the woods.

24. Do you like multi-functional products like lip and cheek stains?

No. I’d prefer separate items.

25. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I used to be, but not too much any more. Only if I’m really tired am I clumsy. Today, for example, I accidentally spilled one of my facial oils in a sleepy stupor. I was so pissed!

26. Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?

Nope. The less products that I use, the better.

27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day?

I only wash my hair once a month, when I’m redyeing it. I wouldn’t even call it washing, because I just condition it with the product that comes in the box kit. So I don’t own any shampoo or conditioner. However, when I’m straightening my hair I do use heat protecting spray and styling oil.

28. What do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

Neither, because I don’t use them.

29. Would you ever consider taking makeup classes?

Nah.

30. What do you love about makeup?

I love that it showcases the personality behind the person wearing it.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

Thank you so much again to Claudia for my Beauty Tag nomination – this was so fun! How would you answer some of these questions? Which beauty products could you never live without? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah